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Period: 15,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE
Human Migration to the Americas via the Bering Land Bridge
Early humans cross the Bering Land Bridge from Asia to North America, eventually spreading trough out the Americas -
12,000 BCE
End of the Last Ice Age and Human Migration
The last Ice Age ends, causing sea levels to rise and changing climates.
This event helps shape human migration patterns as people begin moving to new regions. -
Period: 9000 BCE to 7000 BCE
Domestication of Teosinte into Corn
Before the Mesoamerican civilizations even began, people started turning wild teosinte into
maize, which became a very important crop. -
3500 BCE
Rise of Mesopotamian Civilization
The first cities and writing systems appeared in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
with the Sumerians. -
3500 BCE
Invention of Writing and Beginning of Recorded History
Writing is invented in Mesopotamia (cuneiform), marking the start of recorded history. This event divides "Prehistory" (before writing) from "History" after writing. -
3500 BCE
Development of Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Cuneiform Writing
Egyptian hieroglyphs, developed around 3300 BCE, were initially used for religious texts and royal inscriptions on monuments and tombs. Over time, the system expanded to include official records, such as laws, decrees, and administrative documents. Combining pictorial symbols and phonetic signs, hieroglyphs played a crucial role in preserving Egypt's cultural and historical legacy. -
3000 BCE
First Four River Valley Civilizations
Civilizations develop along major rivers: Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), the Indus Valley, and China (Yellow River). Rivers provide fertile land and resources, essential for sustaining these early societies. -
2550 BCE
Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in Ancient Egypt. It remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. -
2500 BCE
Start of the Preclassic Period (Olmec Civilization in Mesoamerica)
In Mesoamerica, early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures. -
Period: 2334 BCE to 2154 BCE
Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia
Sargon of Akkad established one of the world’s first empires, uniting many Mesopotamian
city-states. -
2000 BCE
Flourishing of Babylonian Culture (Mesopotamia)
Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s Code. -
Period: 1438 BCE to 1533
Inca’s life
The Incas built a vast empire in the Andes, with advanced farming, impressive road systems, and a strong government. They worshiped the Sun God Inti and used quipus for record-keeping until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. -
Period: 1200 BCE to 400 BCE
Olmecs life
The Olmecs, thriving from 1200 BCE to 400 BCE, are considered Mesoamerica's first major civilization. Known for their colossal stone heads and influence on later cultures like the Maya and Aztecs, they developed advanced art, architecture, and urban centers like San Lorenzo and La Venta. Their legacy in religion and culture endured long after their decline. -
Period: 900 BCE to 200 BCE
Chavin’s life
The Chavín civilization (900–200 BCE) thrived in the Andean highlands of Peru, known for its religious center at Chavín de Huántar. They excelled in symbolic art, monumental architecture, and metallurgy. Their influence on later Andean cultures, like the Moche and Nazca, remains significant. -
Period: 900 BCE to 200 BCE
Chavin’s life
The Chavín civilization flourished in the Andes of Peru around 900 to 200 BCE. Known for their advanced art, architecture, and religious practices, they built the impressive Chavín de Huántar temple. The Chavín influenced later cultures with their religious iconography and trading networks. -
776 BCE
First Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions. -
539 BCE
Fall of Babylon (Mesopotamia)
Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of Babylonian
independence. -
Period: 490 BCE to 479 BCE
Greco-Persian Wars (Ancient Greece)
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Period: 480 BCE to 323 BCE
Classical Period of Ancient Greece
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323 BCE
Death of Alexander the Great (Beginning of the Hellenistic Period)
Alexander’s passing led to the spread of Greek culture across a vast area, starting the
Hellenistic era. -
Period: 250 BCE to 900
Maya’s life
The Maya Civilization Flourishes • 250-900 CE
The Maya develop a complex society with city-states, hieroglyphic writing, and achievements in astronomy and mathematics. -
146 BCE
Fall of Ancient Greece to Rome
After a series of conflicts, Rome conquered Greece, bringing an end to Greek political
independence. -
Period: 100 BCE to 800
Moche’s life
The Moche built a complex society along the northern coast of the Andes in Peru, with advanced irrigation, pottery, and metalwork. They worshiped many gods and practiced rituals involving sacrifice until their decline around the 8th century. -
1 CE
Beginning of the Classic Period (Mesoamerica)
Large cities and centralized states like Teotihuacan and Monte Albán flourished in
Mesoamerica. -
900
Start of the Postclassic Period (Mesoamerica)
New cultures emerged, such as the Toltecs, Mayan kingdoms, and the Mexica (Aztec)
Empire. -
1521
Spanish Conquest of Mesoamerica
The arrival of Spanish forces led to major changes and the end of indigenous state systems
in the region. -
Universal declaration of human rights
The United Nations adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing an international standard for human rights.